Ochai Agbaji shares what it means to be finalist for Naismith Trophy

Ochai Agbaji has had a strong season for Kansas – and he’s a big reason why the Jayhawks are still alive in the NCAA Tournament. Currently averaging 19.3 points and 5.2 rebounds on 47% shooting per game, Agbaji has been playing at a high level all throughout the year – and that has made him a finalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy.

Named a finalist alongside Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, Iowa’s Keegan Murray and Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis, Agbaji has a legitimate shot at taking home the trophy – with the winner set to be announced on Sunday, April 3.

Ahead of the Naismith Trophy announcement, Agbaji met with reporters and was asked what it means to be one of the four finalists for the prestigious award – giving all of the credit to his team.

“That means a lot,” Agbaji said. “Obviously to me and the people that support me, but I think it means a lot more to coach and obviously the program that the University of Kansas has been – and all the players that have been there. So, it just means a lot in the grand scheme of things.

“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. So, really thankful for that.”

Agbaji and No. 1 seeded Kansas’ NCAA Tournament run continues Friday night as the Jayhawks take on No. 4 seed Providence in the Sweet 16. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:29 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, with TBS carrying the national broadcast.

The path to the Sweet 16 for Kansas

Kansas was one of four top seeds in the NCAA Tournament, holding the first seed in the Midwest Region. The Jayhawks played against Texas Southern in the opening round, cruising to an 83-56 victory. Kansas advanced to the Round of 32, where it escaped with a seven-point victory over Creighton.

The winner of Friday night’s game between Kansas and Providence will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of the other midwest semifinal matchup between 11^th-seeded Iowa State and 10^th-seeded Miami.

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.